Chattanooga State’s Golden Named TCCAA Coach Of The Year

Jackson County has some outstanding athletes as is duly noted when you check out not only social media from proud parents and grandparents but by the news media. Names like Jeff Mathis are synonymous with success both on and off the diamond. Another Jackson County native is quickly making a name for herself in the college coaching arena, Blythe Golden.

Golden grew up on a softball diamond in Jackson County and let her talents take her further and further. After a standout career behind the plate at Marianna High School, graduating in 2004 with the highest of honors, she continued to earn the same reputation at Gulf Coast State College.

She was named 1st team all-conference both years, 1st team all-region both years, 1st team all-state, NJCAA 1st team All-American, and 2nd team All American.

At Stetson University, she started 126 of the 128 games in two seasons where she was 7th in career putouts, was A-Sun conference Championship 2007-2008 pre-season conference selection, Bob Gillies Award Winner.

Golden returned to Gulf Coast as an assistant coach where she earned her Master’s degree while there from Texas Woman’s University in Kinesiology with an emphasis in coaching.

Through five years at Chattanooga State Community College, Golden and her teams have had success after success. Prior to the start of her fifth season, Golden had an overall record of 185-55 with a .770 winning percentage. In 2016, the Lady Tigers compiled a record of 45-20 with a conference record of 28-9. The Lady Tigers were the Region VII tournament runners-up. In 2017, they compiled a record of 43-13, bringing Golden’s record to 228-68 over five years.

In four seasons at Chattanooga State, Coach Golden has had 8 NJCAA All-American Selections, TCCAA Pitcher of the year, TCCAA Player of the Year, and she personally received TCCAA Coach of the Year in 2014. She has helped 19 players sign National Letters of Intent with four-year colleges in her four seasons at Chattanooga State. In Golden’s first three seasons, Chattanooga State had back to back 3rd place NJCAA Tournament finishes (2014 & 2015). A degree with honors before transferring to take over behind the plate at Stetson University.

This past week, Golden was named Coach of the Year by the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA). This past softball season marks the third consecutive appearance by the Lady Tigers in the championship tournament.

“Being awarded TCCAA Coach of the Year was truly an honor and something of which I am very proud. Anytime I receive an honor such as this I take a step back to reflect on why and how I was able to receive this award. I thank God for giving me the opportunity to do what I love every day and hopefully make a small impact on each player I come in contact with. I have been blessed with great parents, coaches, and colleagues that have all played a big part in my journey. This award is a team and staff award because without them, I would be nothing. I am honored and feel lucky to call Chattanooga State my home,” reflects Golden. Blythe’s philosophy is not only to coach, but also teach, mentor, and motivate with the hope that the team grows and flourishes. Given her record both on the field as a player and as a coach, her philosophy has and continues to work in a positive and productive way.

Congratulations to Blythe Golden from the publisher and staff of the Jackson County Times.